MYRModel Year Report

1997 Toyota Tercel

○ Not enough data
1997 Toyota Tercel
RENDERED 2026-11-01T15:52:53.594Z

Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Only 20 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.

How is this computed?

Complaints
20

Too few to rank

Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 1997

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
—

Not enough data

Complaints per year

1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 6 complaints 1987: 13 complaints 1988: 8 complaints 1988 1989: 22 complaints 1990: 19 complaints 1991: 17 complaints 1991 1992: 24 complaints 1993: 45 complaints 1994: 43 complaints 1994 1995: 51 complaints 1996: 40 complaints 1997: 20 complaints 1997 20 1998: 3 complaints 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 1 complaint 2000
1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 3 complaints 1986: 6 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1988: 8 complaints 1988 1989: 22 complaints 1990: 19 complaints 1990 1991: 17 complaints 1992: 24 complaints 1992 1993: 45 complaints 1994: 43 complaints 1994 1995: 51 complaints 1996: 40 complaints 1997: 20 complaints 1997 20 1998: 3 complaints 1999: 1 complaint 2000: 1 complaint 2000
1982: 2 complaints 1982 1983: 2 complaints 1983 1984: 5 complaints 1984 1985: 3 complaints 1985 1986: 6 complaints 1986 1987: 13 complaints 1987 1988: 8 complaints 1988 1989: 22 complaints 1989 1990: 19 complaints 1990 1991: 17 complaints 1991 1992: 24 complaints 1992 1993: 45 complaints 1993 1994: 43 complaints 1994 1995: 51 complaints 1995 1996: 40 complaints 1996 1997: 20 complaints 1997 20 1998: 3 complaints 1998 1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 1 complaint 2000

1997: 20 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19800
19810
19822
19832
19845
19853
19866
198713
19888
198922
199019
199117
199224
199345
199443
199551
199640
199720
19983
19991
20001

Known problem areas

Only 20 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.

Air bags

8 of 20 total reports mention: air bags, most commonly citing frontal and on-off switch assembly.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While backing out of the driveway and without prior warning another vehicle was passing through and both vehicle collided.upon impact air bags didn't deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-08-01

Involved in an accident and the driver's side air bag and seat belt failed to operate correctly in an impact of a pole. Please describe details.

NHTSA ODI report, 1997-01-02

Also filed under Seat belts

Seat belts

4 of 20 total reports mention: seat belts, most commonly citing retractor.

CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Both the driver side and passenger side seat belt buckles aren't working properly. Sometimes when you think you're buckled in the seat belt will release all of a sudden.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-27

Both the driver and passenger side seat belts stopped working about the same time. I would buckle myself up and my passenger would the seat buckle pop's right out of the anchor. I am breaking the law every time I get in my car.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-06-15

Engine and engine cooling

3 of 20 total reports mention: engine and engine cooling, most commonly citing engine.

Tires

2 of 20 total reports mention: tires, most commonly citing sidewall.

Show complaint excerpts

The entire tire just blew apart. Both sidwalls came away from the tread. I have pictures I can email if anybody wants them.

NHTSA ODI report, 2002-08-30

Suspension

2 of 20 total reports mention: suspension, most commonly citing lower ball joint and front.

INJURY

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2006-04-03Exterior lighting06E026000 Certain pro-a motors corner lamps, turn signals, and headlights sold as replacement lamps for use on certain passenger vehicles listed above. Some combination lamps that are not equipped with amber…

    Remedy: Pro-a motors will notify owners and offer to repurchase the lamps. The recall began on April 3, 2006. Owners may contact pro-a motors at 323-838-2988.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2008-12-17Exterior lighting08E050000 K2 motor is recalling 1,921 aftermarket headlamps of various models sold for use on the above listed vehicles. These headlamps are missing the amber side reflex reflector which fails to conform…

    Remedy: K2 motor will notify owners and offer a full refund. The recall began on decemeber 17, 2008. Owners may contact K2 motor at 1-909-839-2992.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

1997 Toyota Tercel — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Air bags: 8 reports on file for this year.
  • Seat belts: 4 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine and engine cooling: 3 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 06E026000 · Exterior lighting
  • Recall 08E050000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

FAQ

Is the 1997 Toyota Tercel reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 1997 Toyota Tercel?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 1997 Toyota Tercel have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.